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One of the best perks about CLU is its small student population. How does this translate to academics? Small class size equals professors who know your name and recognize your face, but more importantly, know who you are as a student and as an individual. Professors always welcome students during their office hours and make themselves available to support and advise their students as much as possible. Students are also able to participate more in discussions and receive more feedback from fellow students and the professor. The coursework is manageable, depending on the major and its requirements. For instance, hardcore sciences, like bioengineering, tend to require more work and effort than the liberal studies program. Whatever a student’s major, each program takes dedication and commitment on the student’s part to succeed and, of course, graduate. On top of the required courses for majors, students also need to fulfill the Core 21 requirements. Core 21 is required courses that enable students to delve into a wide range of subjects, like natural sciences, global perspectives, and foreign language. Though the Core 21 is a pain to fulfill, it helps out students who are not entirely sure of where their main interest lies.

Here comes the stress relief from all of the coursework: registering for classes. With the help of advisers, talk from students about professors, and trips to the registrar’s office, student registration is pretty simple. Students receive their registration date and must be cleared to register by their adviser when the date arrives. Popular classes, like ones taught by well-liked professors or one of the Core 21 required courses, fill up quickly. But don’t worry—a waitlist is formed when the course maximum is reached, and most professors let students enter if they’re on the waitlist.

Though classes are not available to take online, there are tests students can take to fulfill a Core 21 requirement (basic general education requirements students need to fulfill to graduate). The tests are called CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exams, in which students sign up for one of the exam dates available, take the exam, and receive course credit for that subject exam if passed. Different subjects are offered (such as business, history, and math), and students must study on their own. Classes or study sessions are not offered for these exams.

Best Places to Study

Dorm rooms. Singles and groups get more room and privacy.

Kingsmen Park. Best during weekends when a review session is needed. Not recommended for major study sessions.

Pearson Library. For groups: the yellow talk zones with the large tables. For singles: study rooms or any of the cubicles.

SUB. Works best for groups.

Tips to Succeed

Always be on the lookout for scholarships-it's an expensive school.

Always go to class. You'll regret that one day you decided to skip and missed a ton of information.

Be outgoing! It is a small campus, so get involved with as many clubs and programs as you can!

Buy or rent books online. It's much cheaper than the expensive costs at the campus bookstore.

Check your email more than once a day. CLU email is the main way students, faculty, and staff communicate with one another.

Form relationships with professors in your major. They will be your go-to people for advice about what to do in college and after.

Form study groups. Not only are they helpful and more efficient for many students, they help form friendships.

Get a job on campus or off. The money will definitely help out.

Get your general ed (Core 21 requirements) done as fast as possible. Take as many units as you can your first two years and then have more time during the last two.

It's easy to get involved, so put yourself out there and gain experience in activities and jobs you are interested in.

Network!

Participate in internships during the school year or summer. Internships look great on resumes and may possibly lead to job offers after college.

Register for classes you have an actual interest in-not just ones that get the Core 21 requirements out of the way.

Research your professors before you choose classes.

Study abroad-Cal Lu has a great study abroad office that can find something for everyone!

Take advantage of professors' office hours. Most professors are friendly and more than willing to help students out.

The academics are no joke, so get ready to enjoy a few weekends studying instead of going out.

Student Polls

How strongly do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? Based on 40 responses

Strongly disagree

Strongly agree

The academic advisers are helpful.

It is easy to get the classes you want.

Grading is generally consistent and fair.

There are a variety of interesting courses to take.

Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of courses and topics.

My Gen-Ed requirements are worthwhile and meaningful.

The workload is easy to manage.

There are plenty of good online course options.

Teaching assistants (TAs) are used effectively.

The course scheduling/registration process is efficient and student-friendly.

Classrooms/labs are up-to-date and incorporate new technologies effectively.

How strongly do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements regarding the professors at this school? Based on 39 responses

Strongly disagree

Strongly agree

Professors are approachable and helpful when needed

Professors are engaging and easy to understand.

Professors are experts in their field.

Professors are passionate about the topics they teach.

Professors care about their students' success.

Professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.

Professors use teaching assistants (TAs) effectively.

Who are the most notable alumni from this school? Based on 8 responses

24%
Hank Bauer - former NFL player

19%
Brian Kelley - former NFL linebacker

14%
Jason Hirsh - Major League Baseball pitcher

14%
Eric Rogers

10%
Jacquelynne Fontaine - 2006 Miss California

10%
Rod Marinelli - former NFL head coach

10%
Kevin Gross - retired MLB pitcher

How often do you: Based on 14 responses

Never

Always

Attend class (lectures and recitation)

Do all of your homework

Do all of your assigned reading

Adequately study

Take advantage of office hours/study sessions

Take notes

Where did this school rank in your list of potential schools when applying? Based on 14 responses

21%
This was my dream school.

36%
This was one of my top choices.

43%
This was a school I settled for (safety school).

Photos

Office of Undergraduate Admission, Financial AidAdmission counselors are available to students when they have questions about financial aid and undergraduate work. The Student Employment Office is also located in this building. Students come to this office to complete the paperwork to work on campus.

Jekyll and Hyde: A CLU ProductionA student gets her makeup done to help her get into character for CLU's mainstage production of "Jekyll and Hyde" performed at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. All aspects of the show were either designed or constructed by students.

The SpineLocated between Kingsmen Park and the Student Union Building (SUB), the spine is a long walkway students, faculty, and administration travel through on a daily basis. Offices along the spine include the mail room, SUB, Pearson Library, and Preus-Brandt Forum.